Beachtek Buzz Busted at DVinfo.net

Bill Cory · May 5th, 2003, 07:01 PM

After lurking here for a really long time, I've taken everyone's collected advice and purchased my new setup: VX2000, Beachtek DXA-4 adapter, and an Azden SGM2X mic. I'm getting used to it. So far, I LOVE IT.

Plesae forgive me if this is redundant. But ... In previous posts, if I read them right, we were instructed to remove the cover plate of the Beachtek itself and scrape off the insulating material between the cover and the body. Beachtek includes instructions that are somewhat different.

Here is the exact text of the hot-pink-paper notice they packed with my just-received DXA-4:

"Sony VX1000 and VX200 Users: To ensure noise free recording on these camcorders with the DXA-4 adapter, the ground connection between the camera body and adapter should be improved.
"1.) Remove at least one of the four Philips head screws on the tripod plate on the underside of the camcorder." (Note from me: This requires a 00-size Philips screwdriver.)
"2.) Scrape away any paint around the [recessed portion of the] plate surface where the head of the screw touches this area.
"3.) Replace the scre(s) and you are done.
"This procedure allows a good ground path from the camera body through the tripod plate to the mounting bolt on the DXA-4 adapter for noise free operation. Please call or email us if you need any help. /S/ Beachtek, inc, (416) 690-9457; email: adapter@beachtek.com."

I wouldn't have put in the phone and address, but these particular ones aren't given on their website.

After doing what they instructed, I tested the setup and, voila, the intermittent buzz was history.

Like I said, hope this isn't redundant. Thanks to everyone for all the frank discussion, suggestions and helpful links. ----- Bill

Charles French · May 6th, 2003, 01:21 PM

What I can't understand is why doesen't Beachtek remove it thereself. Wouldn't that be simpler than selling a xlr that's designed for a camera and ask the consumer to fix it. They should sell this as a do-it-yourself kit for half the price.

Garret Ambrosio · May 6th, 2003, 03:06 PM

Charles, they can't remove it themselves, because it is on the VX2000. Also Bill you may wan tto open the Beachtek and scrape all the paint off one of the edges on the box and lid of the Beachtek to make sure it has a positive connection, this and what you've explained cleaned up my audio big time using the same equipment you just described. I have the SGM2X as well. Anyway, Beachtek could have done the second step themselves. That was disappointing.

Charles French · May 6th, 2003, 03:12 PM

Now how about an answer to my question on the vx2k straight ahead thread.

ty very much

Dan Measel · May 7th, 2003, 09:32 AM

Bill,

What a coincidence. I have the exact same set up as you and just got my mic and Beachtek in the mail (haven't tried it yet because I need to get a tiny Phillips head to remove that little screw). Glad to hear you're happy with it.

I am very new at this and still learning a lot so forgive my stupid question.

Do you use the second (I guess right) XLR input? I'm assuming some people record with two mics and use this, but having trouble figuring out how I would ever use it. Is it for concerts? I don't think I've ever seen people recording with two mics before.

Garret Ambrosio · May 7th, 2003, 03:51 PM

You can use the second XLR for a Shotgun and the other for an omni direction mic. You can plug in a mixer and all sorts of other audio devices, etc.

Brad Simmons · May 7th, 2003, 10:14 PM

Sheesh, no wonder I was getting such poor audio off this adapter. Why am I always the last person to find out these things?

May 5th, 2003, 07:01 PM	#1
Bill Cory Tourist Join Date: May 2003 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 3	Beachtek Buzz Busted After lurking here for a really long time, I've taken everyone's collected advice and purchased my new setup: VX2000, Beachtek DXA-4 adapter, and an Azden SGM2X mic. I'm getting used to it. So far, I LOVE IT. Plesae forgive me if this is redundant. But ... In previous posts, if I read them right, we were instructed to remove the cover plate of the Beachtek itself and scrape off the insulating material between the cover and the body. Beachtek includes instructions that are somewhat different. Here is the exact text of the hot-pink-paper notice they packed with my just-received DXA-4: "Sony VX1000 and VX200 Users: To ensure noise free recording on these camcorders with the DXA-4 adapter, the ground connection between the camera body and adapter should be improved. "1.) Remove at least one of the four Philips head screws on the tripod plate on the underside of the camcorder." (Note from me: This requires a 00-size Philips screwdriver.) "2.) Scrape away any paint around the [recessed portion of the] plate surface where the head of the screw touches this area. "3.) Replace the scre(s) and you are done. "This procedure allows a good ground path from the camera body through the tripod plate to the mounting bolt on the DXA-4 adapter for noise free operation. Please call or email us if you need any help. /S/ Beachtek, inc, (416) 690-9457; email: adapter@beachtek.com." I wouldn't have put in the phone and address, but these particular ones aren't given on their website. After doing what they instructed, I tested the setup and, voila, the intermittent buzz was history. Like I said, hope this isn't redundant. Thanks to everyone for all the frank discussion, suggestions and helpful links. ----- Bill

May 6th, 2003, 03:06 PM	#3
Garret Ambrosio Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vallejo, CA Posts: 263	Charles, they can't remove it themselves, because it is on the VX2000. Also Bill you may wan tto open the Beachtek and scrape all the paint off one of the edges on the box and lid of the Beachtek to make sure it has a positive connection, this and what you've explained cleaned up my audio big time using the same equipment you just described. I have the SGM2X as well. Anyway, Beachtek could have done the second step themselves. That was disappointing. __________________ "USA Today has come out with a new survey - apparently, three out of every four people make up 75% of the population." -David Letterman

May 7th, 2003, 03:51 PM	#6
Garret Ambrosio Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vallejo, CA Posts: 263	You can use the second XLR for a Shotgun and the other for an omni direction mic. You can plug in a mixer and all sorts of other audio devices, etc. __________________ "USA Today has come out with a new survey - apparently, three out of every four people make up 75% of the population." -David Letterman

May 6th, 2003, 01:21 PM	#2
Charles French Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: grenada,ms Posts: 78	What I can't understand is why doesen't Beachtek remove it thereself. Wouldn't that be simpler than selling a xlr that's designed for a camera and ask the consumer to fix it. They should sell this as a do-it-yourself kit for half the price.

May 6th, 2003, 03:12 PM	#4
Charles French Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: grenada,ms Posts: 78	Now how about an answer to my question on the vx2k straight ahead thread. ty very much

May 7th, 2003, 09:32 AM	#5
Dan Measel Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 196	Bill, What a coincidence. I have the exact same set up as you and just got my mic and Beachtek in the mail (haven't tried it yet because I need to get a tiny Phillips head to remove that little screw). Glad to hear you're happy with it. I am very new at this and still learning a lot so forgive my stupid question. Do you use the second (I guess right) XLR input? I'm assuming some people record with two mics and use this, but having trouble figuring out how I would ever use it. Is it for concerts? I don't think I've ever seen people recording with two mics before.

May 7th, 2003, 10:14 PM	#7
Brad Simmons Major Player Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Washington DC Posts: 304	Sheesh, no wonder I was getting such poor audio off this adapter. Why am I always the last person to find out these things?